Buzz
Do you feel passionately about certain political or social issues? You can champion your beliefs by sending a letter to a newspaper. Most newspapers have sections dedicated to editorials or opinions and actively encourage reader submissions. To increase the chances of your letter being published, it's crucial to understand the proper formatting. By ensuring your writing is concise, focused, and timely, you stand a better chance of seeing your letter in print.
Key Steps
Writing Your Letter
Begin your letter with a simple salutation. Starting with 'To the Editor' or 'Dear Editor' is typically acceptable. However, it's advisable to review previously published letters in the newspaper and emulate their style to ensure conformity with the publication's standards.
Respond to a Specific Newspaper Article. While some newspapers publish more generalized letters to the editor, your chances of publication increase when referencing a specific article. You can reply to an editorial, opinion piece, or news article. In your letter, make sure to mention the original article's title, date, and author before expressing your response.
Focus on One Topic and Present a Strong Argument. If you have multiple subjects to discuss, consider writing separate letters. Newspapers prefer articles that are focused and clear. Ensure your reader understands the topic and argument of your letter from the outset. If you possess relevant qualifications on the subject, mention them. Supporting your points with facts and statistics will enhance your credibility. Avoid distorting facts to make a point, as errors may undermine your argument.
Divide Your Letter into Concise Paragraphs. Despite the brevity of your letter, organizing it into paragraphs facilitates the flow of ideas for your reader. Each paragraph should present a distinct idea supported by either facts or personal experiences. If you have firsthand experience with the issue at hand, sharing a personal testimony can evoke empathy from your reader, establishing a deeper connection than logic and facts alone.
Provide Your Genuine Name. Letters to the editor must be attributed to ensure the credibility of the author. Include your full name, title, address, phone number, and email address. This enables the newspaper to contact you if they choose to publish your letter. Published letters typically only include your name and city, so there's no need to worry about your contact information being widely disseminated. Note that newspapers generally do not publish anonymous letters, although they may withhold your name upon request.
Adhering to Newspaper Guidelines
Keep Your Letter Concise. Aim for around 250 words or less. Review the newspaper's guidelines for word count preferences. While condensing your thoughts into a small space may seem challenging, it ensures that you communicate your point effectively.
Submit Your Letter Promptly. Newspapers are more inclined to publish letters that respond to articles within a few days of their publication. With the rapid pace of news cycles, delayed submissions risk losing relevance. However, if your argument pertains to waning attention on an issue, timing becomes less critical.
Opt for Email Submission Whenever Possible. Most newspapers prefer letters to be emailed. While some accept handwritten or typed letters via mail, this adds unnecessary complexity. If handwriting, ensure legibility, and proofread for errors before submission. Double-check the newspaper's submission requirements before sending.
Helpful Suggestions
- Prioritize Factual Accuracy. When disputing published content, provide specific details—what was said, by whom, and when—and be prepared to support your claim of inaccuracy.
- Avoid Handwritten Letters Whenever Possible.
- Encourage Like-minded Individuals to Write Letters. Collaborative efforts increase the likelihood of publication, even if your letter isn't selected.
